Infection prevention and control week takes place October 20 to 24 in Canada. Interlake-Eastern RHA’s staff members who are responsible for the region’s infection prevention and control programs are using the week to launch a public awareness campaign that requests one thing of people entering and exiting the RHA’s health care facilities.

“We need people to make it a habit to clean their hands when entering and exiting our facilities,” Davenna Conrod said. She oversees the region’s team of infection and prevention control staff.

“Handwashing is the best thing people can do to help us prevent the spread of infection within our facilities and out in the community,” Conrod said. “Clean hands have fewer disease causing organisms on the skin surface and that helps reduce the transmission of illness.”

In preparation for the hand hygiene campaign, Interlake-Eastern RHA’s infection prevention and control team members are auditing the region’s facilities to ensure that alcohol based hand sanitizers are readily accessible and visible at all public entrances. They are also requesting on-site infection prevention and control champions to greet staff at entrances during select times during the week and ‘catch them’ cleaning their hands.

Ultimately, the most effective way to prevent the transmission of infection is through hand hygiene and through the effective cleaning regimens we have in our facilities.

“Cleaning your hands is an ordinary procedure. It doesn’t take a lot of time and effort. It’s one simple thing that can make a world of difference to the health of our clients, staff and community members,” Conrod said.

Everyone can help prevent the spread of infections by being involved and making positive changes.

About Infection Prevention and Control Canada (IPAC)

IPAC Canada, formerly CHICA–Canada, is a national, multi-disciplinary, voluntary association of Infection Prevention and Control Professionals (ICPs) with 21 chapters across the country dedicated to the health of Canadians by promoting excellence in the practice of infection prevention and control. Visit IPAC Canada’s website (www.ipac-canada.org) for infection prevention and control information.